Istanbul — The Istanbul Chief Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation into the arrest of Turkish citizens by Israeli forces who intercepted a Gaza-bound flotilla carrying activists and humanitarian aid.

In a statement on Thursday, the prosecutor’s office said the probe focuses on 24 Turkish nationals detained after Israeli naval forces boarded the Global Sumud flotilla in international waters. The investigation will examine possible violations under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, including deprivation of liberty, hijacking of transport, aggravated looting, material damage, and torture, according to Turkish media reports.

Local outlets reported that 30 Turkish citizens in total were detained, with Israeli authorities later deporting them to European countries.

The Turkish foreign ministry strongly condemned the interception late Wednesday, describing it as “an act of terrorism” and warning that the incident could undermine efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.

Despite the arrests, flotilla organizers announced Thursday morning that their mission to deliver aid to the Palestinian territory would continue.

The interception has drawn international criticism, with Brazil urging Israel to guarantee the safety of detained activists and other governments monitoring developments closely.